By Stephanie Atkinson, CEO CompassIntel/Chair IoT6 www.5gamericas.org | @5GAmericas Last week was the annual 5G Americas annual Analyst Forum held in Dallas, Texas. The event was kicked off by the Chairman and CTO of T-Mobile US, Neville Ray (@NevilleRay). Just a few highlights to start off with regarding Neville's keynote, which clearly showcased the global and nationwide competitive angle 5G is being championed for and towards (also heard at MWCA in LA).
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND 5G
One of the first sessions I sat in on was focused around the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to 5G and future growth in IoT. Ericsson is utilizing AI tools and software to improve their radio access network (RAN) specific to configuration and optimization, while Samsung mentioned heavily investing (see Softbank news on AI investments) in AI at the cloud level to support in new customer experiences (cX) and improve video content services (noted example of having video content follow users). Cisco's perspective was a bit different as they are looking at AI to support in new learning algorithms (inference and information theory) around operations, as well as using AI tools and software for social impact initiatives. Lastly, Sprint mentioned leveraging AI to improve data quality, enhance machine learning tools, generating automatic code, and simplifying for categorization (think automated text categorization, read more here). Sprint also mentioned there may be a challenge with the human input and training is an issue. 5G AND ENTERPRISE IoT On the low band, 5G is expected to support in scaling massive IoT, specific to low latency connected and sensor solutions, specific to industrial, infrastructure, operations, and even smart cities. The use cases revolve around asset tracking and monitoring, fleet tracking and monitoring, some transportation and container tracking, and applications specific to agriculture, factory automation/manufacturing (mass production), and others. DEVICE ECOSYSTEM Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) has been a focus for companies like AT&T, as they made announcements this year. As shown earlier, the carriers all have different approaches to device roll-out, yet 5G smartphones is not expected until mid-2019. On another note, there are some upcoming changes to 5G devices and antenna placement. Devices may have 3 to 4 mmWave antennas as part of 5G enhancements, and this will help to manage hand cover up issues from a user experience perspective. Qualcomm mentioned that some devices still have 2G, and that the OEMs they work with are choosing what bands to include in the devices. The 3G to 4G shift was more concentrated around power management, while that will not be as much of an issue for the shift from 4G to 5G. New RF modules will be an area of focus for 5G devices. This session had participants from Qualcomm, Samsung, and Sprint. 5G, MORE USE CASES Focusing beyond MBB, the industry participants mentioned we need to look above and beyond broadband and smartphone devices. Sprint is focused around the mid-band, so 5G smartphones is key to their 5G strategy. Sprint is currently looking at the partnership model for 5G use cases. The foundational use cases are centered around mobility and fixed wireless. Many are in the exploratory stage from an ecosystem perspective and are seeking support from partners, research analysts, advisors, and customers. Carriers will be seeking use cases to better monetize traffic, as current smartphone revenues and the growth trajectory remains fairly stable or flat. Consumer is behind overall, and Enterprise is leading in 5G use cases at this time. Smart cities is an area to explore as well, and CityBrain (by Alibaba) was mentioned as a good use case to explore in terms of true ROI. MY TWO CENTS
Related 5G Research and Reports: 5G Optimization: Mobile Edge Computing and Network Slicing 2018 – 2023 Voice over 5G (Vo5G) Market 5G Security Market: Technologies, Solutions, and Market Outlook 2018 - 2023 Written by Blog Contributor: Lucy Reed of gigmine.co
Chances are that you know someone who struggles with mental health disorders. It’s possible that someone is you. Your workplace can play a major role in your well-being, so if your wellness is challenged by your working conditions, there is good news. The gig economy offers opportunities for improving your quality of life while still earning a living. Stresses and struggles. Even if you don’t start out with a mental health disorder, the stress and anxiety of some workplaces can bring one on. According to The Conversation, many workers must deal with excessive workloads, requirements to be more productive with fewer resources, poor managerial practices, conflicts with coworkers, and little choice in what they do and when. Issues such as these can be detrimental to your mental health. Mental health issues are costing employers as well, with some estimates as high as $100 billion annually in mental health-related expenses. Improve your situation. If those stressors sound all too familiar, engaging in the gig economy can be a boon to your well-being. Flexibility can be the biggest determining factor in improving mental health for workers, with some research showing productivity just as high for those embracing flexible employment options as for traditional workers. However, thanks to flex options such as telecommuting, workers report better health and happiness. The gig economy offers opportunities galore. Being able to adjust your schedule and workload to meet your other commitments in life can mean better satisfaction. Some studies show flexible employment options reduce stress and even make for better sleep habits. What’s more, you have the freedom and flexibility to match your schedule and workload with your energy levels. If you’re a morning person, you can get up and knock out duties at the crack of dawn. If you do best when you’re alone through certain days of the week, take on the bulk of your work during those times. So, what is the gig economy? The gig economy refers to what is essentially an internet-based employment platform through which people offering goods or services connect with people needing those goods or services. It’s the chance to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and plan your own future. You can elect to do short-term work, engage a variety of clients, or freelance individual, one-time sessions or products. And as Wired explains, it’s a rapidly-growing arena with a plethora of employment types and venues. You could drive people around, provide bookkeeping services, or sell your handmade crafts. Do you love animals? Some people become dog walkers or offer dog-boarding services. Can you sell ice to an eskimo? Some of the best business ideas right now for master salespeople include selling wireless earphones, HIIT workout equipment, and phone cases. No matter your skills, there’s a gig that can make you money! Downsides. Of course, it’s not all roses for gig workers. It’s important to understand that with the flexibility and freedom of leaving the traditional workplace, you also lose the benefits of a traditional workplace. There are no sick days or paid days off, and you don’t have an employer setting aside funds to pay your taxes or for your retirement. Those burdens fall to you. Even if bookkeeping isn’t your strength, as Forbes explains, this is all very doable. Track your expenses for a few months and establish a budget showing where your money is going. Aim to live on half of your income, set aside 30 percent toward flexible expenses, and then save the other 20 percent for things like your kids’ college tuition and your own IRA. Monitor your spending carefully to ensure you stay on track, and make sure you’re saving enough to pay your taxes on time. Stay healthy and happy. Mental health disorders can be challenged by poor working conditions. Thanks to the gig economy, you can embrace a more flexible worklife. If it’s time to raise your quality of life through a healthier work environment, the gig economy offers opportunities for change. |
Inside MobileCovering hot topics in the industry, new research, trends, and event coverage. Newsletter Signup
For Email Newsletters you can trust. Categories
All
|